Gemotions

He gripped the pen so hard he thought it would snap. The paper felt slick beneath his sweating palms. Mark, a recent graduate with zero relevant experience, was earning more than David, the man who’d trained him. He forced himself to keep working.

He glared at the half-eaten pizza box on Mark's desk. The smell of pepperoni was overwhelming. Every item, every gesture from Mark seemed performative.

Later, the elevator ride felt suffocating. He watched Mark exit first, the younger man’s confident stride grating on his nerves. He felt a deep ache in his temples, a pressure building behind his eyes.